Solent Road, Havant

A mixed use development for the design of a new, high spec HQ for Portsmouth Water, to allow them to relocate out of their existing outdated building to a neighbouring site within their ownership boundary. The scheme also incorporates a terrace of industrial units to increase the economic value of redeveloping the site that is currently designated for employment use.

Responding to the various site constraints, such as flood risk, neighbouring properties and existing biodiversity were some of the influential factors that inevitably shaped the design, as well as a detailed client specification. Working closely with the design team, notably the engineer and landscape architect, we developed appropriate proposals to mitigate the impact of flooding by implementing a bund to the northern and western boundaries. This took on a dual purpose, offering a landscaped screening to the nearby residents.

Material palettes were selected to connect the office and warehouse proposals to one another, with colour tones that mimic the neighbouring medical centre and business park. A projecting feature frame wraps around the entrance for emphasis, which is then echoed on the first floor offices, providing solar shading on the southern façade. The building footprint represents a hinged arrangement to align with the shape of the site, creating two wings that house the main cores at either end.